Going to get either L2501 or L3301

[millsrv]

Remember when you have a 2wd if you are using a front end loader the more you load in the bucket the less weight is on the rear wheels. That can take away a lot of usefulness for you. Just something else to consider.

Excellent point! When I take my backhoe off and have nothing else on the backend of the tractor this thing is downright scary when moving almost any material with the loader, 2WD would be useless. You really need to have a heavy attachment on the 3 point when using the loader. Another reason for 4WD.

 

[momule1572]

Excellent point! When I take my backhoe off and have nothing else on the backend of the tractor this thing is downright scary when moving almost any material with the loader, 2WD would be useless. You really need to have a heavy attachment on the 3 point when using the loader. Another reason for 4WD.

Great to know that! What do you think that backhoe give you in terms of equal amounts of tractor weights?

 

[DWLG1958]

I also looked at these two tractors
L2501 @ 2,200 RPM (low=nice) , L3301 @ 2,700 RPM for rated HP.
L3301 Hydraulics, slight GPM advantage, probably same pump, @ higher RPM's !
100 cubic in. vs. 111 cubic in.
PTO Lift @ 24" behind, L2501 = 1,389# vs. 1,435# on L3301. I was surprised that the B2650 & B3350 both have 1,676# rating, an advantage of 240#'s more than L series.
Turning radius for both L's @ 8.2, with the B series @ 6.9
On weight, the 3301 (2778) about 150#'s heavy than L2501(2623), both quite a bit heavier than the B Series @ 1786# & 1896# respectfully.
L vs L loaders the same
L vs L Backhoes the same, B also has the BH77 (I love it) 180 degree swing.
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I actually sat in and tested Backhoe setup on an L series, I'm a big guy and the (fixed seat) work space was uncomfortable / cramped. This helped w/ decision on final tractor I bought.
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Ended up with B2650, yes lighter (easy to transport), and it's more maneuverable. Has the adjustable reversible seat that is a pleasure to operate with the BH77. Great lift on the 3 point hitch also.
Since I don't have a heavy draw bar farming NEED, like disking, it just made more sense to me to go with the "bells & whistles" on the B series. Utility chores, etc. I use the forks a lot more than I thought I would also.
Also BIG on my decision, it (2650) has NO DPF hassle. Read the operators manual on Motor Operation on that 33 HP unit, you are to idle for 3-4 minutes before shutting down, every time. (burning fuel, producing nothing)
Good luck and have fun with your new tractor, which ever one it is !

 

[millsrv]

Great to know that! What do you think that backhoe give you in terms of equal amounts of tractor weights?

The backhoe itself weighs 850 pounds and I don't think that includes the bucket or the mounting brackets. So consider the bare L2501 tractor (no loader) weight of around 2600 pounds and whatever the LA525 loader weight is, adding 900 pounds to the rear really helps with stability and traction.

 

[LostMy65]

Old thread, but I like the reasoning. I was searching another forum on this topic, and although I'm pretty settled on the L2501, I was curious if 25hp was enough. If I should get 4x4 and such.
Initially I have about 2 acres that will need some clearing, but after that mainly mowing, box blading, and loader work.

 

[ayak]

I was squarely on the fence myself in choosing between the 2501 and the 3301. For me it came down to how much brush cutting I was planning on doing (with the PTO and a rotary cutter). Not that the 2501 can’t do it, just a little slower, is all. Bought the 3301 new in 2018 and haven’t had a lick of trouble over the 500hrs I’ve put on it.
Also, any time I’m carrying something heavy in the FEL bucket down a slight (muddy) grade, I’m happy to have that 4WD.

 

[Fordtech86]

One thing to note between 2wd and 4wd on the L01 series is you only get 2wd with a gear shift trans. If you want HST they only come in 4wd.

 

[Nicfin36]

I love my L2501. I don't plan on using the PTO much. so not an issue with me. It is a strong little tractor though.

I'm a bit late to the thread, but I just wanted to say check your front axle fluid if you have not done so. Others have said that on this forum and I procrastinated. I finally decided to check mine and it didn't have much in it. Heck. make sure you have an air filter too. At least mine had that.

 

[UpNorthMI]

Both good tractors, my vote would be for L3301 as it has 26 PTO HP, the L2501 is sub 20 at the PTO. There are an awful lot of attachments that seem to call out for minimum PTO HP of approximately 25 HP. This fact drove my decision to buy a used L3200 and when buying an additional tractor I purchased a L3901.